BARNETT, Charles

BARNETT Charles Gilbert Barnett of Magrath, Alberta passed away peacefully on May 5, 2024.
He was born on January 15, 1941 in Cardston, Alberta to Yvonne Gilbert and Durwood Barnett. He attended Del Bonita school until 1958 after which he graduated from Olds College with a diploma in Agriculture. After graduation, he married Mavis Steward of Carbon, Alberta and they worked on the family farm in Del Bonita until 1965 after which time they bought a half section of land from his brother Michael. He found rescuing baby calves from spring blizzards to be more enjoyable than farming with broken down machinery. Charlie and Mavis did the best they could with that machinery but raised exceptional cattle, only Angus, as they were the only ones worth raising. After several years, he and Mavis parted ways and he married Judy (Judith) Hildreth.
Charlie was a man of many many talents and interests. He enjoyed competitive roping for a few years; long enough to win a belt buckle but not before he fell off his horse and broke his collarbone. During the long winter months on the farm, he became interested in leather carving and saddle making. His workshop moved from the kitchen table to the basement and then for a brief time he operated a saddle shop in Lethbridge – Charlie Barnett Saddlery and then to the current ‘saddle shop’ in Magrath where many have enjoyed a visit. He obtained his pilot’s license and enjoyed the freedom of flying over the ranch in the red and white Piper Tri Pacer. In his later years his interests turned to silver engraving and he worked hard to become very proficient – creating many beautiful pieces that leave a legacy of talent and dedication.
Charlie was known for his beautiful penmanship, his love of reading and learning, his dry sense of humor and his lack of patience. His talents were a continual source of inspiration for his grandchildren. Apparently in college he was in the judo club and on the basketball team and he scored 100% on all of the essays that he wrote. He was deeply saddened by the recent passing of Judy who cared for him like none other and he would have hoped to be remembered well by the many wonderful friends and neighbors that he had over his life.
He is survived by his brother John (Cecilia) Barnett, his three children Joan (Joe) Watson, Russell (Lindsay) Barnett, and Tobi (Sean) McLeod; Judy’s children James (Tammy) Hildreth, Kim (Street) Helgeson and his 16 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.
He is predeceased by 5 horses, 5 dogs, 2 cats, his parents, his brother Mick, two grandsons, a great grandson and we know that waiting for him is his loving late wife, Judy Barnett.
We invite all to attend a service in his honor on Saturday May 25 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Magrath, Alberta; 21 East 1 Ave South.